Jeanne Craft's Obituary
Jeanne Rosiland Cheek Craft, 80, of Lewes Delaware, passed away on August 3, 2024. She was born on October 5, 1943, to Earlene and Ulrich Cheek in a loving home as the second of five sisters in Halifax, NC. After completing high school in Halifax, she went on to graduate from North Carolina Central University on May 23, 1964. On December 18, 1965, she married her college sweetheart, Samuel Craft, of Durham, NC. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to New Jersey where they worked, lived, and raised their family. They called New Jersey home for almost 30 years.
Jeanne began her career in social work in Halifax County, NC and worked with the Camden County Board of Social Services after the couple moved to New Jersey. Having devoted 30 years of service to the profession, she retired in 1998 as an executive director. She and Sam then moved to Cape Coral, FL later that year. Jeanne engaged in a very active “retirement”, earning her Real Estate Broker license, serving others through her church, Rotary, and family associations. Jeanne and Sam moved to Lewes, DE in 2016 to be closer to their children and grandchildren, where she continued to share every drop of energy she had with family, friends, church, and charity.
Never afraid of adventure, Jeanne embarked on trips to Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, The Bahamas, China, and across the Middle East. She was a curious person who enjoyed learning new things and experiencing new cultures. She was also deeply devoted to family. So, as much as she enjoyed these bold, grand trips; her yearly “Sisters’ Trips” across the USA with her sisters and mother were some of her favourites.
There was nothing that Jeanne could not cook, sew, or grow. Two of her many DIY specialties were laying tile and knotting rugs. Many of those closest to her are surrounded by these beautiful representations of her talent, love, and care.
In addition to her parents, Jeanne was predeceased by her oldest sister Glenda Davis, of Durham, NC. Jeanne is survived by her husband Samuel; her sons Stephen and Jay; her grandsons, Ryan and Julian; her sisters, Carol Francis (Ervin) of Jericho, NY, Cynthia Jackson (Larry) of Bowie, MD, and Mary Anita Kelly of Mitchellville, MD; her brother-in-law, Joe Davis, and sister-in-law, Shirley Patterson (James) of Durham, NC; a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was a friend to everyone she knew, and radiated light on the lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. George AME, 317 Park Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, 600 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation in Jeanne’s memory to a charity of your choosing.
Please sign the virtual guestbook locate on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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